Fa la la la la . . .

You know it's Christmas when:

1. Carrie and Ashley are in bed together singing Christmas carols
2. Dan is making one last trip to the grocery store
3. Carrie is learning to make Favorite Salad
4. Cleaning up for company coming tomorrow
5. Making breakfast egg casserole for Christmas morning
6. Wrapping the last gifts
7. Watching for the FedEx truck
8. Running out of Christmas bows
9. Making a gingerbread house
10. Going to the Heltons!!!!

No Christmas Eve service tonight due to expected rain storms.

"We wish you a Merry Christmas!
We wish you a Merry Christmas!
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a happy new year!!!!"

Sending love and best wishes to everyone this Christmas and always!

Poem Inspired by Carrie's Friend, Jamie

Gritty eyes
No surprise
Its 4 a.m.
Flannel sheets
Draw me back
To the land of zzzzs

http://whoajamie.blogspot.com/ check out her blog!

"Not a creature was stirring . . ."

Except for a mouse! I hear at least one in the attic, but hopefully it will find one of the traps recently set up and die. There, I said it. Yes, I hope for the quick demise of the little things. There is not enough room in this house, attic or (God forbid) otherwise, for both of us. Making Mrs. Hayter's Christmas baked egg casserole this morning to take to work for our table party - food all day long. Glad it isn't raining as I ran through the drops yesterday with Mike's birthday cake in hand. Tomorrow I'm off and I can't wait! Today will go quickly as I prepare to be gone until Monday. Merry Christmas everyone "and to all a good night!!!"

4 a.m. Musings

So, I wake up today for the weekly 4 a.m. teleconference only to find out that they moved it to tomorrow! And, strangely, now I am wide awake. I predict that I'll be doing a total faceplant today around 6 p.m.! Oh, well; perhaps I met my sleep quota for the weekend (finally) and am ready to face the day. Things I could do: make Christmas cookie dough, make Christmas cookies, tidy up the house (company coming on Thursday), start my layered jello salad for Christmas eve dinner, sew or read. And, I never did get to the Sunday paper yesterday! Well, it is a busy season, isn't it? I did get my Christmas shopping done, so feel much better about all that. The mall was crazy, but the prices at Macy's were sale upon sale. That was great! A couple of packages to wrap and some cooking and I'm all set. How about you? Are you ready to experience Christmas at its commercial best? Let's remember that we are celebrating the birth of a King, our Lord and Savior, Almighty God, the everlasting Father and, best of all, the Prince of Peace. God bless us every one.

Brrrrrrrrrr

Well, we had some wild weather today. Wind gusts and rain and very un-So Cal. My office window looks out at the ocean, through pine trees, and it was all I could do not to just stare out the whole day today. Couldn't wait to get home and get the fire lit and enjoy some warmth. Tonight I am making magic cookie bars for tomorrow's all-lab potluck. And, am trying to get the Christmas cards done. Hope you are snuggled up by the fire tonight, too.

All Bound Up

Sue finished Karen's quilt and sent it to me to do the final binding on it. Frankly, it is gorgeous. I love the colors and the fabrics and the design - even if the pattern was wrong and Sue had to trim parts to make them fit. She did a beautiful job and Karen is going to love it. It's all boxed up and Dan will mail it tomorrow.

It was a sewing weekend and I do love being in my office/sewing room during the winter. It gets the late sun and is lovely and warm during the colder days. Last night we went to church and then out to dinner with Nancy, Scott and Vi at Famous Dave's. Ashley went to Chris' work holiday party and she looked fabulous in her cranberry red dress and heels up to there. Don't know how she walks in those things, but the effect was certainly worth it.

Now, on to Christmas cards and final shopping. Tuesday my work has its annual "grade and graze" - it sure is fun being in the lab and enjoying their activities. Apparently the two top guys flip pancakes in the morning for everyone. Can't wait to see that. Oh, and we'll grade some diamonds, too. Friday is the all-work holiday party, then the Helton's annual Carol Sing. It'll be a good week.

Tough day

It was a terrible day at work today as 150 co-workers were laid off. My team was "safe," but some very dear friends were affected. I had to leave mid-day for a dr. appointment, but left with such a heavy heart. And, frankly, I feel like I missed a bullet. Plus will be taking a 10% pay cut with my 40-hour work week. My team will work 9 days out of 10 and not be paid for the day off. But, at least we have jobs and hopefully will have them going forward. My biggest regret is that my former assistant, Dani, who has been a manager for the past three years, got axed. What a loss. She is one sharp cookie, though, and I know will work through this difficult time with grace. Good luck, Dani, and don't forget you have a friend in me.

'Tis The Season

The garland is up, the stockings are hung, the Yankee holiday candles are out, and the snowmen (of which we seem to have an army) are placed just so. Yes, Christmas is up at our house, thanks to Miss Ashley. Dan's been sick and now I have it. Ashley was down with it on Saturday, but got better much quicker. (Oh, to be young again.) Now we just need to finish shopping, baking the cookies and signing the Christmas cards. Thanks, Ash!

Happy December

Thanksgiving was great. Ash and I went to Thanksgiving eve services and sat with Chrissie and Matthew. We traveled to Aunt Coni's for the Tilton gathering to celebrate. Carrie came home for the weekend. Then, Friday, Ashley's Chris came over and helped hang Christmas lights on the outside of the house and stayed to share our second Thanksgiving dinner and we played rounds and rounds of baseball - Greg's card game. We shopped, saw Australia - go see it! - and decorated our Christmas tree and relaxed. It will be a busy month now that December is here. That said, let's remember the reason for the season - the birth of our Lord. 25 days and counting!

One turkey down, one to go

Drove through the pouring rain to Aunt Coni's house today to celebrate our annual eating frenzy better known as Thanksgiving and thankful we were! Lots of fun was had as we teased each other and nibbled. Aunt D forgot her overnight bag and was wearing her same clothes as yesterday with her undies turned inside out! We had a LOT of fun with that one! Me: did I hear that you are wearing Uncle George's underwear today? Di: OMGosh, who TOLD you that!!!!??? It was a memorable afternoon. Dan recovering from a terrible bout with the flu and bronchitis and hasn't worked all week. Today he is finally feeling like he'll live. Now we are back at home and the girls are catching up with the latest installment of Housewives of Orange County. It's like a train wreck, you just can't NOT watch it! So, I'm taking a poll - who is getting up to be at the Kohl's Black Friday sale at 4 a.m.??? Don't look for me; there is nothing that I want that badly! Count your blessings and enjoy the rest of your day. I'm cooking a turkey dinner for our family tomorrow because eating at Aunt Coni's provides no leftovers! Gotta have turkey sandwiches, don't you think?

Monday pm

It was a day full of phone calls - who's idea was it to update the company web site with my name, title and number? Ha! Lots of people called and it was fun. I may not know all the answers, but I can sure get them and call people back. In one case, it was three times I called back, but now I know what to get BEFORE the first call back. See, that'll never happen again. It seems I say that daily for the first year on a new job. So humbling leaving a place where you know all the answers (heck, you created the answers!) to a new place where you know nothing and your team is ready to throw you under the bus to prove they should have had the job, not you. Oh, well. I'm older than they are and, here's the kicker, I'm in full-blown menopause and I eat girls like that for BREAKFAST! Don't you just love being over 50? So freeing, so rich, so enjoyable . . so fulfilling. (smile)

Missing (other) notes

So I got a Blackberry in my new position and gave up my old Palm Pilot/iPAQ. I'd been having problems getting all my notes on the iPAQ and then they all disappeared. I find myself trying to remember everything I had in the notes and it was a lot. I had Christmas lists of what we gave, received and wrote thank yous for going back seven years! Pat's brown rice recipe is now gone as well as Linda's microwave salmon. An old reading list of chick lit that Amanda stood in Barnes and Noble once and wrote down all the titles they had displayed on a chick lit table: gone. (OK, so I am over chick lit now, but it WAS an impressive list.) My personal mission statement: gone. (Well, maybe it was time to redo that one anyway!) The name of my foundation color with Clinique: gone. There was so much more, but maybe I should just look at this as an opportunity to clean up and move on with life. Maybe there's a better color foundation for me. Maybe I can start thinking out of the box for my holiday shopping. Maybe, maybe, maybe - the possibilities are endless!

Early Friday

It's not yet 6 a.m., but am gearing up for a busy Friday. It is cold this morning! Yet, by noon it will be 80 degrees. That's how we slide into winter: heavy coat on the drive to work, pull off layers for lunch, pile it on again for evening. Today I have lunch with Bev, one of my old co-workers, to catch up on everyone in Advancement, then tonight it is to Nancy's for Matthew's first birthday celebration with the family. He came to trick and treat last Friday and was so cute dressed as a little blue dinosaur. Anyway, I think that what he was! Thank you Chrissie and Josh for including us on the dino tour. We loved seeing you. My mom is in Hawaii, but sick and not doing much. She's headed to the dr. again today. Hope she can enjoy the beach at some point before they head home Sunday. I'm learning how to work my Blackberry and last night Ashley loaded a Christmas tune to be my ringer. We can't wait for Christmas!!! Am listening to Josh Groban's Christmas CD in my car already. It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!!!

Oh, Mother!

So yesterday my mom comes to CA to visit with friends, family and join our cousin for a week in Maui. Today she is in the hospital. Sister Sue, the nurse in TX, says their family has the flu or some such bug and that is likely what mom has - not food poisoning. She is staying the night in Los Alamitos hospital. Sue told me not to go up and later mom agreed with that plan. So, am staying away and hoping that is all it is. Pray she feels better by Sunday as that's the day they fly to Maui. If not, anyone want to go to Maui with Joyce? Side bar: she travels with one pair of undies, which she washed out every night. I'm just saying . . .!

Out of words

Barbara went home today, sniff. We had a great time sharing memories, eating Halloween candy (shhhhhhh!), laughing, and making Christmas placemats. You gotta love a guest who arrives with a suitcase bulging with fabric and crafts! We should have planned for her to stay a week. She's off this week to niece, Molly's, wedding on Saturday. Kinda wish I could go, too, and see all her family. And now, I am out of my words for the next week or so. I bet you didn't think that could EVER happen! Come visit again, soon, dear friend.

Since 3rd Grade

My oldest friend is coming for the weekend today. We met in third grade at Park Village School in El Dorado Hills, CA. We were pretty much inseparable until her family moved in eighth grade. I have missed her ever since then. We had daughters around the same time; her Annie was born the year between my girls. We will be talking non-stop all weekend and getting in lunch at the Hotel Del Coronado and quilting and who knows what trouble we can find! My heart is full. Friends - they're a good thing.

Musings on a Sunday evening

Busy, busy weekend - took Ash to Cal Poly Pomona on Friday to see the campus and talk with a counselor. Good news, she just needs two specific classes to be accepted for fall 2009 term. Loved their huge field of pumpkins surrounded by massive sunflowers. Then on Saturday met with Dan's mom and sisters for a meeting about her move to an assisted living home. She is ready and we want to help! Then, church Saturday night, pizza at Shakey's afterwards, then bed. Today was groceries, laundry, cleaning, making dinner, and Nights in Rodanthe. Great movie, take lots of Kleenex, Richard Gere still looking good after all these years. Now, need to get to bed so I can get up for a 5 a.m. teleconference with India. Have a great week.

On the run

I'm back from New York and working hard to learn my new job plus working 48 hours a week until Thanksgiving. That is a tough one - especially if I can't work Saturdays, which I can't for the next two weeks. I am enjoying learning new things, but it sure is humbling to never know where anything is or how anything works. But, we push on with the goal to learn and be a good example and grow the team. Today I am having a bone density test to help understand why my knees hurt all the time. Tomorrow is a flu shot. Friday we are headed to Cal Poly Pomona with Ash to discuss her attendance there for fall 2009. Saturday is helping Peggy with her move to an assisted living facility - she's on the waiting list and needs to go through her home that's been collecting memories since the early 50's. I have no words of wisdom today, except to say when you have a new job and don't know what you are doing: just show up and do the best job you can.

More from New York

Feet tired, musuem-ed out and there's an interesting story involving a NYC mouse. We had just ordered the famous fettuccine Alfredo at, where else, Alfredo's when I happened to see a little furry thing scuttle across the floor. I have seen that particular movement before and that night I spent at chez Helton until the little guy could be rounded up. (thanks, Dan) Anyway, I tried to ignore it, didn't say anything until I saw it again. Then, I calmly mentioned it to Dan and Carrie and drank another gulp of my Pinot Grigo. It appeared to head away from us, so I was willing myself to stay and be calm when it suddenly ran in our direction. I jumped up and ran out of the restaurant with Carrie in hot pursuit. Poor Dan had to explain to the waiter, who let us go without paying a cent, but he looked a bit bemused. Apparently, that is not such a big deal in NYC. Now, am wearing shoes and socks to all restaurants and scanning the floors anxiously. New York - it's a wonderful town. Still haven't tried the famous fettuccine - can you say take out?

New York!

I love New York! I keep saying that I can't believe we are here. It is noisy, busy, dirty, fast, loud and I still love it. Lunched at Saks, walked all over, knees are hurting, but all worth it. It is an amazing place and I am so glad to be here. Wish you were all here, too.

Fireproof

Just got home from seeing the movie Fireproof - you have to go and see it! I loved it. What a great story and a great message. Our movie theatre was packed. Many saw friends and were hugging, shaking hands, etc. It was a real treat to be part of such a big group supporting a God-inspired movie. I felt as though someone should have gotten up before the movie began to lead us all in prayer. May many see this movie and be moved to draw close to God - both personally and in their marriage. See what you think about "the love dare." I dare you.

A Prayer Answered

Praise God for answered prayer! I was offered a new position at work and I truly regard it as a miracle. My new title is Manager of Carlsbad Customer Services and I have moved into the lab. It is like a whole new job - so different there. I am learning a new software system and it is fascinating. I love factories and the lab is truly a factory. How appropos that this jewelry lover now works amongst jewels galore. But, you have to go through four locked doors to get to my new office. I am closing out things in my old office and moved all the boxes but one this afternoon. Monday I'll unpack and move into the new place, but still work two hours at the end of my day back at the old job. I am finalizing the "transfer of knowledge" to four other people there. It feels right to move on. Thank you God.

Celebration

Today is Amy and Andrew's wedding reception. They bucked tradition and chose to marry on a beautiful beach in Curacao with their immediate families present. I can't wait to see the bride, meet her groom and see the pictures. Hard to believe that Amy is grown up and married already. Where have the years gone? I remember standing in line to drop Carrie off at the church nursery and seeing Lynette holding Amy in that same line. The girls were born just a few days apart. The circle of life continues and we joyfully hold on and enjoy the ride - screaming at the peaks and cheering at the turns. I wouldn't have it any other way. God bless you, Amy and Andrew, as you begin a wonderful life in Christ together.

Fall is in the air - can you feel it?

Today we woke up to a break in our heat and a beautifully cool morning that gives one hope for fall. Ashley sagely remarked that it isn't officially fall until the 23rd, but the urge to remove my summer decor and get out the pumpkins is strong. Fall: if we feel it, it will come. We went to church last night, dinner with B & J at Oggi's - their grilled chicken salad is fab - and today will be restful with odd jobs around the house. Dan is supremely happy that football has begun and Ashley says that means Christmas is coming. Let's hope only the goose is getting fat.

Something different

I don't know if it was going to Bev's brother's funeral Friday night - who, frankly, sounded like the greatest guy in the world and proves again that only the good die young - or just that I am bored, but we shook things up a bit this weekend. Called D and T - she's having her final round of chemo for breast cancer - and met them for dinner and catch up at the Irvine Spectrum Saturday night. I continue to be impressed with the matter-of-fact way T is handling her cancer. I pray for her daily as I click on the breast cancer web site to help their cause. She's taught me a lot about faith in the face of a potentially fatal disease. I hope I can be just like her if that happens to me. I was so glad she felt up to meeting us for dinner. She'd never been to the Cheesecake Factory, so had to go there! Then, today, C and I went to the movies, then had carne asada and a Margarita. Such strong drinks at that restaurant, A and C had to come pick us up and drive us home. That's a first for me. Don't drink and drive. (I truly only drank half of mine and that was it for me.) A starts school tomorrow, so summer is over for us. QVC is selling Christmas stuff and the seasons flow one into another.

Another Sunday

Gosh, can't believe the weekend is over already - have you been watching the Olympics? Can't get enough of that Michael Phelps! He has been lots of fun to watch and when his mom cries, so do I . Did I mention that empathy is one of my top five strengths? Ash is on vacation in Texas with Aunt Sue and family, Carrie came home for the weekend. She and I saw the movie "Henry Poole Was Here" today and I highly recommend it. Take Kleenx unless you don't have empathy as one of YOUR top strengths! (smile) It was taco salad for dinner; it's just too hot to cook or even BBQ. I saw the first leaves changing color - fall is coming! I can't wait. Bought two fall-themed candles this weekend. Our Linens N Things store is going out of business, so got a few items on a good sale there. I'll miss that store - it was so close and had so much. Now, on to watch "Big Brother" - our favorite summer treat. Take time to treat yourself this week! And, a shout out to sister Karen (still quiltless) who begins her 34th year of teaching tomorrow. Go, Karen! Thank a teacher if you can read this!!! Hurry home, Ashley.

BBQ tonight

Sunday evening is a great time to recover from the busy weekend and BBQ a steak. The Olympic Games are on and lots to watch there as well. We are ready for a new week. Ash is headed to TX to visit her friend, Candace, then Aunt Sue and family. I'm a little envious! Will she pack her cowboy boots or not? That is the big question. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Early weekend

Took the afternoon off yesterday to quilt with N and J. It was such a sweet time as we sat around the big table and caught up with each other. J was knitting a gorgeous cotton sweater, N was cutting out flowers for her mom's quilt and I finished triangle three of four for my applique quilt. Being away from work was so sweet, too, that I decided to extend my vac through today, so am home working on projects some more and enjoying a long weekend. C is coming home tonight to visit Nikki who is home from DC for the weekend. A is spending time with her BF and his family visiting from overseas. Enjoy your weekend!

Forever Fondue

Well, just got back from celebrating Dan's birthday with good friend Scott and wife Nancy. The guys have birthdays three days apart and it is always fun to celebrate together. We went to La Jolla to the Melting Pot and had a delicious four-course fondue meal. Well, the salad you don't cook, but everything else gets speared and dipped into pots for cooking. Two types of chocolate for dessert with little goodies to dip into it - YUM. I highly recommend it, but save up because it ain't cheap. Perfect, though, for a celebratory meal. Hmmmm, Dan is in the kitchen cleaning our lettuce for the week; better go help him spin it. Ashley's car broke down over the weekend, so have to juggle cars tomorrow first thing to get hers to TNT and everyone to work on time. Have a great week everyone.

Bbbbbudget!

I was participating in a big 2009 budget confab today at work when we got what felt like a huge earthquake. Linda, Rose and I looked at each other for a few seconds, then jumped up, opened the office door and huddled in the doorway. It registered something like 5.4 and it was one of the larger ones we have felt in years. Gee, it's great to live in California. Fires, earthquakes - what's next? Locusts? Just kidding. California is still a hard place to beat. Makes you think, though - doesn't it?!?

Great time had by all!

My sister, Sue, and my mom visited this weekend. We had such a great time. They live in Texas and I don't see them much, so the days we had together were precious. Got caught in the traffic on the 5 S due to the accident on Thursday, but we stalled around in the OC and visited a couple of quilt shops and then had tea and scones in San Juan Capistrano. I ended up giving Karen's quilt pieces back to Sue. I was hoping we'd have time to work on them on Friday, but we were just too busy. A huge relief and the dark cloud has passed. Am looking forward to working on a quilt that is at my beginner + 1 level again. Sorry Karen! I cut out the pieces at least. Bought a toile holiday print for a Christmas quilt plus a pattern to make up the charm pack that Sue and I bought last year to do a "sister challenge." So much fabric, so little time!

Well, maybe not . . .

OK, so I took Karen's quilt fabric to work to mail to Sue, the quilting pro, in true failure pattern. But, when I took it out to show Amanda, the blocks looked so easy and I wondered why the heck I can't JUST DO IT! So, back to the sewing room it came. It is sitting there, mocking me, daring me to try again. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. Well, maybe not tonight. sigh.

What a weekend

Hot, busy, fun, too-short - that was my weekend; how about yours? Flat tire, knitting with friends, haircut and more of those natural blonde highlights, a quilting defeat, church - Pastor Chris with lots of good "evidence demands a verdict info" and sad news about a dear friend's mom's passing. Sending Karen's quilt, in bits, back to Sue the quilt pro. Immediate therapy required if further quilting to take place. Must be why knitting is suddenly so interesting when it is hot and humid and not what you'd think you'd want to do in mid-summer. Did I say it was hot? Have a great week, everyone!

See you in heaven, Toby

On July 4th, as America was celebrating its independence, Toby was celebrating his independence, too. His battle with cancer finally ended and he went to heaven. 15 years old is too young and the last six of those years he struggled with cancer. His mom and dad, Brenda and Rene, showed such grace and peace through the past 11 months that we have known them. Now we know someone else we'll see in heaven when it is our turn for that glorious trip - our reward, our hope, our promise from God: eternal life with Him. Give God a hug for me, too, Toby.

Three day weekend coming!

Yea! 4th of July weekend is nearly here! Get out the flags, plan your BBQ, make your family wear red, white and blue! Celebrate freedom. Say a prayer for the men and women fighting for our country in parts far away. And, God bless America. We need it.

Havin' a Heat Wave

So hot today. So glad we installed the a/c two years ago. Menopause without a/c is not a good thing and I'm sure Martha S. would agree! Count me thankful. Celebrated N's birthday today with JB by driving to Pt. Loma to see the new quilt museum and the current exhibit is quilts by men. Quite fascinating. Then, to a new (for us) tea shoppe in mid-Pt. Loma, which was very good. JB gave N a knitting book and gift certificate to the Black Sheep yarn shop in Encinitas, so we drove home by way of the yarn shop. They have the most beautiful, colorful yarns you'd ever want to see. Those with cashmere are simply divine and I couldn't resist buying three skeins of the most beautiful raspberry color soft cashmere yarn. Found a pattern for an easy afgan, but it takes 12 skeins plus the cost of the pattern book, so will go back another time for those. Tea, quilts and yarn with good friends - GREAT things.

Monday, June 16

Not too bad a day as Mondays go. A. started summer school, so everyone had to get up and in the shower early as we all tend to prefer warm water. She's taking bio and a stretching class, which will bring her to 60 units for fall term and junior status. Yea! D. began dinner, so have a couple minutes to play. Double-yea! It is a beautiful day; hope you could enjoy the great weather.

Sun., May 4

Sunday: reading the paper - now that's a treat when I can sqeeze it in. But, the very best thing about today is that my two friends (nearly 30 years!) are coming over to quilt this afternoon. We sew, we talk, we talk, we sew. Therapy is therapy, right? Spend some time with a theraputic friend today yourself.

Sat., May 3

I'm new to blogging, and feel compelled somehow to have one. I'm an over 50 mom of two 20 something daughters plus husband of 29 years, dog, job, family, friends and the glue that makes it all work - God. God-glue: it's a good thing. He keeps me together, sane, loved, forgiven, hopeful and looking forward daily to my walk with Him. Today is cooking for the V's - a family with a son, Toby, who is battling cancer at age 14. Taking ham, potato casserole, brocoli salad and lemon bars. Off to cook now. Will stir in some prayers for Toby, too.